Interior Designers Have Spoken: These are the Dining Room Trends to Know About for 2026

If there's one room in your home that could probably do with a bit of care and attention in 2026, it's the dining room. Often overlooked and underused, a few simple swaps and changes can bring this social room back to life and turn into a space you want to spend time – especially if you take inspiration from this year's dining room trends.

Whether you have a large dining room or a small nook within your kitchen, there are designs and features to suit. And according to designers, there are a few looks they predict will be most coveted in this year's interior trends.

From playful patterns to blending dining with other functional rooms, these are the dining room trends to know about in 2026, and how to make them a reality in your home.

8 Dining Room Trends for 2026

There's been a noticeable shift back towards dedicated dining rooms compared to past years, when it was all about open-plan. As such, the trends for these rooms have changed significantly. Whether you're looking for a new dining room layout or simply want to breathe new life into your previously unloved scheme, these are the trends to take inspiration from.

1. Architectural Warmth and Old-World Craftsmanship

There's a real focus on architectural interest in dining rooms as we head into a new year, creating depth and interest in these rooms that are designed for people to spend extended amounts of time in. It's a trend that reintroduces character and tactility to rooms that have often lost those striking details.

'Dining room trends in 2026 will lean toward richer, more architectural environments. Think paneled walls, plaster finishes, walnut tones, statement millwork, and warm, layered lighting,' says interior designer Rebekah Murphy of Murphy & Moore Design.

'As open-concept homes shift back toward defined spaces, the dining room becomes a place of ceremony again. Homeowners are craving depth, character, and materials that feel storied. Architectural detailing makes the room feel both grounding and elevated. A setting designed for intentional gatherings.'

2. Statement Lighting with Softer, Warmer Illumination

The way we approach dining room lighting is shifting in 2026. It's more about warmth and ambiance than bright lighting that fills the room with a stark glow. And layered lighting is key.

'Chandeliers in aged brass, linen, alabaster, or sculptural forms, paired with layered lighting from picture lights or sconces, are becoming central to the dining experience,' says Rebekah, whose firm designed this scheme to feature multiple light sources with statement fixtures.

'Warm lighting transforms the emotional feel of the room. People want dining environments that feel intimate, flattering, and atmospheric. The chandelier becomes both sculpture and ambiance, setting the tone for how the room is used.'

3. Playfully Patterned Schemes

The formality of the traditional dining room is out, with more characterful, personality-filled designs taking their place. This dining room trend is about creating a joyful, uplifting room to gather with guests and showcase your favorite art and decor.

'I think we’ll see a move towards high-octane, playful and joyful dining rooms, full of pattern, texture and depth. These spaces lend themselves beautifully to personality – they’re wonderful rooms for hanging unique collections, whether that’s plaster casts, art, or even collections of boats,' says interior designer Octavia Dickinson.

'Because dining rooms aren’t used every day, people are keen to make them feel special, with bolder choices such as glossed walls, wallpaper and playful artwork,' she adds. In this design, a bright, floral dining room wallpaper is layered with vintage framed art, creating a characterful scheme.

4. The Rise Of Casual Dining Nooks

Not every home has the space for a dedicated dining room, but casual nooks in the kitchen, living room, or multi-functional zones will continue to trend. Think charming little eat-in areas and comfortable dining nooks.

'I'm seeing less of large formal dining rooms and seeing more casual dining areas or breakfast nooks. I love being able to create a space that is both comfortable, functional, and aesthetically interesting. A smaller space can feel cozier and make the most of a home that has space constraints,' says Yena Jung, of By Yena Designs.

Natasia Smith and Sandy Baisley, co-founders of Re-Find, have also highlighted this trend. 'Built-in seating paired with smaller bistro or café-style tables, particularly in kitchen nooks, is becoming increasingly popular. These setups encourage casual, everyday togetherness and allow family members to gather in the same space even if everyone isn’t seated at once,' they explain.

5. Hallway Dining Rooms

There's an old-school dining room trend making a comeback in 2026, and it's not one you might have expected, or even ever heard of. Hallway dining rooms were favored by those with large entryways, especially for easy hosting, and it's a look some designers say will be returning this year.

'I also think the hall-dining room, which I’ve always loved, will become much more prevalent again. The hall-dining room is a particularly clever solution: it creates a sense of occasion without dedicating a rarely used room solely to dining,' says Octavia.

'I have one in my own house, and it’s always my favourite place to host – lit with candles, a fire going, and the kitchen next door acting as a practical serving space,' she adds.

Here, the dining table has been placed at the center of the entryway. It can be used as a display table, and then transformed into a dining space when needed. This only really works if you have a large hall or entryway, but it effectively utilizes an otherwise underutilized space.

6. Rooms that Blend dining with Other Functions

In a similar vein, dining rooms will be mixed with other functional rooms in 2026, transforming them into something more loved and utilized. Think dining merged with a home library, or even a fun-filled games room tied in.

'We see the rise of the truly multi-purpose dining room continuing well into 2026. As homes prioritize efficiency and flexibility, especially in smaller footprints, dedicating an entire room solely to formal dining no longer makes sense for many families,' says Natasia and Sandy.

'Instead, dining spaces are being layered with functions: libraries, work-from-home zones, built-in storage, and even creative areas for crafting or homework. At its core, this shift is about personalization and connection. Multi-functional dining spaces allow clients to express their personality through art, books, and thoughtfully curated built-ins that evolve over time.'

7. Moody Color Palettes

There's always been a sense that dining rooms should be light and bright, but as we head into 2026, things are getting a little darker. Decorating with moody color palettes will dominate, creating a sense of drama and bold design.

'We’re also seeing an uptick in moody dining rooms, which feels like a natural evolution. Because dining rooms are most often used in the evening, they’re the perfect place to experiment with deeper, more saturated colors without the concern of living in a dark space all day,' says Natasia and Sandy.

'Dining rooms are becoming more atmospheric and intentional. The biggest shift is toward spaces that feel moody, alluring, and designed for lingering rather than formality. Darker, rich hues are setting the tone, drawing from nature to ground the room while adding quiet drama,' adds Lauren Coburn, designer at NextHaus Alliance and owner of Lauren Coburn LLC.

8. The Round Table Revival

When you're designing a dining room, there's always the question of which dining table shape is best. And while rectangular and even long oval examples have proved popular over the years, 2026 marks the comeback of the humble round table.

'One of our favorite trends for 2026 is the return of the round dining table. Visually striking and naturally grounding, it acts as a true centerpiece while subtly reshaping how we gather,' says Miranda Cullen, principal designer and owner of Inside Stories.

'By eliminating edges and hierarchy, round tables invite conversation, equality, and connection – reflecting a broader shift toward homes designed to bring people together rather than set them apart.'

Shop the 2026 Dining Room Trends

Dining room trends for 2026 are signalling a shift towards dynamic, lived-in spaces that feel more casual and multi-functional than ever before. Decor is becoming more playful and experimental, while architecture is embracing character and history. They are the antithesis of dining room cliches, and offer a welcome change from the outdated dining room trends we are all tired of seeing.